It’s come to that time where I’m experiencing an automotive conundrum.
My car, a Citroen DS3, has caused my more problems over the past 4 years of having it that I’m ready to say bye.
In the beginning…
In 2013, after starting my current job, I knew that my car at the time (an old Ford KA) wouldn’t be able to cope with the commute. It had issues with the engine warning light constantly towards the end. I knew it was time to part ways. So bye bye it went in part exchange for this shiny 6 month old Citroen DS3 Sport Plus.
I will add at this point that I didn’t want the top spec model but I didn’t really have a choice. If I was getting a car, I was getting the best version of that car.
I did my research on other cars but I had my heart set on this one and there she was, all clean and gleaming at Evans Halshaw (don’t get me started in those cowboys!). I was very excited (and also terrified) of owning such an expensive piece of property. Literally this was the only thing I owned until we got our mortgage.
It all seemed so good…
I’d had Bitzy for just over 2 months when on a normal commute to work, a guy in a white transit van failed to notice the large queue of traffic in front of him and he went straight in to the back of me. In a state of shock and panic, and also confusion at my car ringing the emergency services itself resembling a scene from Nightrider, I only got this guys phone number. Cutting this whole scenario short, he basically had no intention of complying with me or my insurers to get my car sorted. Despite there being hardly any visible damage, the whole rear bar of the car was bent in half and cracked.
Luckily (and I say luckily as my insurance went up!!!) he ended up complying when the police got involved. Weird thing was that he came up on my Facebook suggested friends feed. Undoubtedly because I had his phone number and the algorithms Facebook use to automatically sync your phone contacts and potential Facebook friends.
He was filled away with the other many “not likely” friends on Facebook!
And back to Bitzy…
From that incident she’s never been the same. Reverse parking sensors never work properly. Either they just scream like a possessed turtle, randomly sense nothing or don’t work at all. Perry’s couldn’t seem to find I fault. I think it’s just her way of keeping me entertained and on my toes. I’m really good at parking now thanks to the fact that I’ve got something screaming at me everytime I do.
It wasn’t long after the accident that she was in the garage for weeks at a time with various problems and it’s been a re-occurring thing over the last 4 years.
This most recent incident with the water pump going is the final straw though. It’s never a £50 fix, it’s always something excessive.
In my sadness I’ve just calculated that I’ve spent roughly 2088 hours with this car. I’ve spent more time with her that I have with most people I know! It’s going to be sad to see her go but I’m hoping her next owner will love her as much as I have!
In to the future…
Today I went to have a look at cars. I’ve been considering for a while what I’d like. from Mercedes A Class to VW Sirocco, Audi A1 to A3. I had a sit in the S1, S3 and TT and I’m honestly swaying towards the TT.
I shall keep you updated.